This comprehensive text introduces the history of school violence in the United States, providing an overview of proposed causes-from violent video games, to inadequate parental involvement, to bullying by classmates-and detailing the pros and cons of various deterrents.

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Table of Contents

Preface

Acknowledgments

1 Background and History

Types of School Violence

Measuring School Violence

Brief History of School Violence Incidents

Legislation and Court Decisions

Supreme Court Cases

Conclusion

Further Reading

2 Problems, Controversies, and Solutions

Effects of School Violence

Biological Theories

Psychological Theories

Rational Choice Theory

Social Strain Theories

Social Learning Theories

Social Control Theories

Labeling Theories

Conflict Theories

Integrated Theories

Feminist Theories

Risk Factors

Individual

Family

School

Community

Protective Factors

Individual

Family

School

Community

Interventions

Anonymous Tip Lines

Profiling

Dress Codes and Uniforms

Metal Detectors

Video Cameras

Conflict Resolution and Peer Mediation

Peaceable Schools

Restorative Justice

School Police Officers

Canine Searches

Zero Tolerance Laws

Other Laws

Conclusion

Further Reading

3 Perspectives

A Student's Perspective on the Dangers of Bullying: Lashanti Jupp

Reflections on Mean Girls: Lauren Lorance

Sticks and Stones Can Break My Bones, but Names Will Never Hurt Me? Approaches to Language Mis(uses) in Schooling: Kelly Concannon

The People's Court in a South Bronx Elementary School: Evelyn Jackson

Creating and Sustaining Positive School Climates: DePalazzo

Being Out

Confidentiality and LGBT Students: It's the Law

Our Gender-Nonconforming Youth and Transgender Youth

Creating a Safe Space for All: Policies, Programs, and Practices

Federal Law

State Law

Local Policies and Acts

Other Key Ways to Show Allyship to LGBTQ Youth

Resources

Is There More School Violence Today? A Veteran Educator Says No: Sarah Raitter

Reflections on PeaceJam and School Violence in the United Kingdom: Larenda Twigg

Preventing School Violence: Barbara J. Wien

Violence as a Continuum

Shifting U.S. Culture

Ending War and Violence

Cultivating Caring Communities

How to Build Community

Best Practices in Reducing School Violence

Working for a Higher Purpose

The Circle Model

Organizing for Peace in Your Community: Six Steps for Success

References

Activism against Domestic and Dating Violence: Stephanie Wong

Turning the Personal into Progress: Robert Spencer Knotts

4 Profiles

Bath, Michigan, School Bombing

Columbine Massacre

Laurie Dann

Kip Kinkel

Adam Lanza

Barry Loukaitis

Patrick Purdy

Evan Ramsey

Charles Carl Roberts IV

Steubenville High School Rape Case

Jeff Weiss

Phoebe Prince, Bullycide

Amanda Todd, Bullycide

Break the Cycle

Geoffrey Canada

Riane Eisler, JD

Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN)

Jackson Katz

Paul Kivel

Hank Nuwer

StopBullying.gov

Students Against Violence Everywhere (SAVE)

Further Reading

5 Data and Documents

Data

Figure 5.1 Trends in school-associated violent deaths, 1992–2010

Figure 5.2 Percentage of students in grades 9–12 who reported being threatened or injured with a weapon on school property at least one time during the previous 12 months, by grade: Various years, 1993–2009

Figure 5.3 Percentage of public and private school teachers who reported that they were threatened with injury or that they were physically attacked by a student from school during the previous 12 months, by locale and instructional level: School year 2007–2008

Figure 5.4 Percentage of students ages 12–18 who reported criminal victimization at school during the previous six months, by type of victimization: Various years, 1995–2009

Figure 5.5 Percentage of students ages 12–18 who reported that gangs were present at school during the school year, by urbanicity: 2007 and 2009

Figure 5.6 Percentage of students ages 12–18 who reported being targets of hate-related words and seeing hate-related graffiti at school during the school year, by selected student and school characteristics: 2009

Figure 5.7 Percentage of students ages 12–18 who reported being bullied at school during the school year, by selected bullying problems and sex: 2009

Figure 5.8 Percentage of students ages 12–18 who reported cyberbullying problems anywhere during the school year, by selected bullying problems and sex: 2009

Figure 5.9 Percentage of students ages 12–18 who reported avoiding school activities or one or more places in school because of fear of attack or harm during the school year: 2009

Figure 5.10 Percentage of students ages 12–18 who reported selected security measures at school: Various years, 1999–2009

Sandy Hook Elementary School Violence Reduction Act

Safe Schools Improvement Act of 2013

Barack Obama's Statement on the School Shooting in Newtown, Connecticut

The Myths about Bullying: Secretary Arne Duncan's Remarks at the Bullying Prevention Summit